Security operatives of the Nigerian Police and some armed youths on Saturday engaged in a gun duel in Bassambiri Community, Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, which resulted in a stampede, and left scores injured.
Sources told Nigerian Tribune that the stampede occurred as a result of Community members scampering to safety during the shooting between security operatives and the armed youths who have been allegedly terrorizing Nembe and resisting arrest.
The source who pleaded anonymity, said that the police were in the community to restore peace that has since eluded the crude oil-rich coastal settlement when they encountered a firce armed resistance that allegedly led to the death of a yet-to-be-identified middle-aged man.
Addressing newsmen on Sunday, some chiefs under the aegis of Concerned Citizens of Opu-Nembe Bassambiri, explained that the Police were in the community to arrest the armed youths as a result of a petition they wrote to the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Speaking on behalf of the chiefs and other indigenes of Nembe, Dr. Jesse Ameri, said they are not aware if any youth died in the process but that the people of Nembe are grateful to the IGP for sending a tactical team that has successfully taken over control of the community.
He further urged members of the community who fled to escape the unslaught being meted on them by the armed youths to return home and carry out their legitimate activities while they prepare for the forthcoming November 11th, 2023, Governorship Election in the state.
Dr. Ameri said “we the people of Opu-Nembe, Bassambiri, wish to appreciate the IGP for the quick response to our plea for peace in our community. The effort of the police have arrested the hoodlums that have been terrorizing our kingdom.
“This action will serve as deterrence to other groups that wish to engage in acts of intimidation, killing, raping as well as destruction of properties belonging to innocent and law abiding citizens.
“We further appeal to the security agents to have permanent occupation of the community inorder to discourage further attacks and intimidation by other armed youths.”
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa State Police Command, SP Asinim Butswat, said that it was a detachment of Mobile Policemen (PMF) and SWAT operatives from Force Headquarters, Abuja carried out a sting operation in Nembe.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Yenagoa, Butswat said “contrary to the misleading information being circulated on social media platforms, that armed thugs dressed in Police Uniforms invaded Nembe Bassambiri community, on 12 August 2023.
“The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes to state categorically that a detachment of Mobile Policemen (PMF) and SWAT operatives from Force Headquarters, Abuja carried out a sting operation in Nembe Bassambiri on 12 August 2023, Some Arms and ammunition were recovered and suspects were arrested.
“The sting operation was conducted professionally, based on the standard operating procedure of the Nigeria Police Force. No life was lost.
“Members of the community are urged to go about their lawful and legitimate businesses as the Police would not harass or intimidate any law abiding citizen. Investigation is ongoing and the outcome would be made Public.”